Page 21 of Possessed by the Dragon Alien (Zarux Dragon Brides #6)

But he wouldn’t be acting on this newfound need clawing at his control, as a soft chime announced an incoming communication. Rien’s voice followed immediately, crisp and urgent.

“Chancellor, I need to speak with you. Privately. It’s about the matter we discussed.”

She still called him Chancellor, but he had no time or patience to correct her. Nena started to pull away, but Madrian caught her waist, keeping her close. The need to maintain contact with her was almost overwhelming.

“Answer it,” she said softly. “This could be what we’re waiting for.”

He drew in a deep breath to school his ragged breathing. Then, he activated the communicator. “Rien.”

“I have information.” She appeared in her avatar before him, skipping the typical greetings. “But the situation is more complex than I initially thought.”

“Explain.”

“The rebel Zaruxians aren’t just hiding—they’re actively searching for you and the Terian female. They can’t reach you without exposing themselves and everyone with them. Also, they are unaware of your…change of status. They have every reason to believe that you are still loyal to the Axis.”

“Her name is Nena,” he growled. “Do they know she is here with me?”

He caught the quick flash of amusement on the prime watcher’s face, but gave it no thought. Nena was his and the sooner Rien acknowledged that, the better.

Rien inclined her head, then continued, “I don’t know if they are aware of Nena’s location.

The surveillance around you has tripled since the council meeting.

Every communication, every movement is being monitored.

I’m here on an encrypted channel I set up before all this began, but still, I must be brief. ”

Madrian’s blood ran cold. If Taghi and Valkos had increased surveillance to that degree, it meant they were preparing to move against him. “How long before the council acts?”

“Their exact time frame is unknown, but I’ve intercepted some communications. They’re planning to use Nena’s disappearance as justification for a full investigation of your activities. When they find her in your quarters…”

The threat hung unspoken. Madrian’s grip on Nena tightened unconsciously, and she leaned into him, offering silent support. The decision he knew he had to make solidified.

“It’s time to leave, then,” he said thickly. Saying the words felt so strange, but also absolutely right.

Nena straightened. Her chin came up and her expression hardened with resolve. “It is.”

Madrian’s hand tightened on Nena’s back. She was so brave, his little female. She was also ready to face whatever came next, and after all she’d been through, her strength was remarkable.

But Rien wasn’t finished. “Your ship has recently been moved from your personal landing pad to the main docking bay for maintenance,” she said. “We’ll have to use my vessel, and it will have to be now . Before they lock down the towers completely.”

There was nothing wrong with his ship. He knew it. So did Rien and the council. This was an effort to prevent him from just blasting off. It was a smart move, honestly, and not unexpected.

“Rien, route all critical data to the data bank on my ship and prepare for immediate departure. You do not need to be involved. I can make it look as if I stole it, and pilot it myself. After which, you may sever all evidence of our association. There is no need for you to endanger yourself.”

“Understood.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “But I think I’ll stay with you, if you don’t mind. I’ll meet you at docking bay 7-2B in thirty piks .”

The communication ended, leaving them alone in the sudden silence. Nena was steady, but he could feel the tremor that betrayed her nerves.

“We’ll need to move carefully,” he said, his mind already shifting into tactical mode. “The corridors will be monitored, and if they’re watching me as closely as I suspect—”

“Madrian.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “Breathe.”

He realized he’d begun pacing. His movements had turned sharp with barely contained energy. The need to plan, to control every variable, overwhelmed his senses.

“You don’t understand.” He closed his eyes and forced himself to breathe deeply. “I need you to be safe. I just found you. I cannot comprehend losing you.”

“I know.” She stepped into his path, forcing him to stop. “But we’ll face whatever comes. Together.”

The simple reminder that he wasn’t alone in this, eased some of the pressure in his chest. When she reached up to smooth the tension from his brow, he caught her hand and pressed it against his cheek.

“I’m not used to depending on anyone,” he admitted.

“I know that, too.” Her smile was warm, understanding. “But I’m not going anywhere.”

The promise in her words settled something fundamental inside him. Whatever happened next, whatever they faced with his brothers and her friends, he wouldn’t have to face it alone.

For the first time in his life, Madrian understood what it meant to have someone who chose to stand with him, not out of duty or fear, but because they wanted to be there.

“Eighty piks ,” he said, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Then we leave all of this behind.”

“Good.” She rose on her toes to brush her lips against his. “I’m ready for a new beginning.”

As her words settled over him like a benediction, Madrian realized he was too.